New Delhi — Updated at 11:06 PM, May 20, 2026 IST
What began as a viral “Melodi” moment — after Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted a packet of Melody toffee to Italy’s Giorgia Meloni — has focused attention on a much larger trend: India’s confectionery exports, especially toffees and caramels, have been growing strongly for years.
Commerce Ministry data show exports of Indian toffees, caramels and similar sweets rose 166% over 12 years, from Rs 49.68 crore in 2013–14 to Rs 132 crore in 2025–26. “India’s toffee tale would surely be a melody to the ears. Exports have grown nearly 166 per cent since 2013-14,” Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said.
Parle Products, maker of Melody, notes that Melody alone is exported to 100 countries, and the company says its confectionery range has a significant international presence. But Melody is far from the whole story: a broad range of Indian candies are finding buyers worldwide.
Milk toffees such as Kismi-type sweets and creamy caramel candies are among India’s top exports. Chewy brown caramel toffees, with their familiar caramel flavour, are particularly popular in markets across Africa and the Gulf.
Key buyers include the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Nepal and Tanzania. Africa remains one of the largest destinations for Indian candies, while the Middle East and neighbouring Asian countries also take substantial shipments.
The spike in demand underlines that India’s confectionery sector is more than a single brand moment — it is a growing export category with diverse products that continue to win consumers overseas.
